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Thousands Celebrate Ralph D. Winter's Life, Impact
Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2009 Posted: 8:07:32AM HKT
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| Over 2,000 people, including Pastors Rick Warren and John Piper, commemorate the life of Dr. Ralph D. Winter at Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, June 28, 2009. (Photo: Hudson Tsuei) |
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The presentation has since been hailed as a watershed moment that shifted the global mission strategy from one focused on countries and territories to one focused on distinct people groups.
An unreached people group is one that lives in a place where there is no viable, indigenous, evangelising church movement.
Winter had devoted much of his life advocating for pioneer outreach among unreached people groups.
Others who spoke at the memorial remembered Winter for his faithfulness, humility, devotion to sharing the Gospel, for being a visionary, and for his strong sense of integrity.
His younger brother, David, noted, however, that while there are many people who possess the qualities of being bright, energetic, and creative like Winter, they do not make a great impact on the world.
“It wasn’t just genetics that made him who he is. But he made a choice,” said David Winter.
“He took his gifts and decided to give himself wholly to the Lord and try to make a difference,” said the younger Winter, who is the former president of Westmont College in southern California.
In addition to hearing testimonies, those who attended the memorial also watched a video on the life and legacy of Dr. Winter and sang his favorite hymns.
The memorial service was held at Lake Avenue Congregation Church in Pasadena, Calif. – a church that Winter had attended since he was in elementary school and until his death.
Winter died on May 20, 2009, at his home in Pasadena, Calif., after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his second wife, Barbara, four daughters, 14 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
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Michelle A Vu
Christian Post Reporter
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